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Roadmap to #Brite10: Mix It Up

Feb 12, 2019

For those of you who can't decide where to map out your day at Brite Winter 2019, we've taken the liberty to walk you through a few acts from different genres we think you'll enjoy. Whether you choose to see 27 bands, all 40, or just 3, you can't go wrong! We encourage you to go out of your musical comfort zone and experience different sounds on the 23rd. Let us know who you're excited to see!

Folk singer-songwriter Jordan Smart was born in Cleveland and raised in rural Northeast Ohio. But he’s a wanderer through and through. After busking in cities around the country, Smart earned spots opening for Senator Bernie Sanders on his 2017 presidential campaign trail.

His sound is raw and simple but evokes complex emotion through his honest and poetic lyrics. Smart’s first full-length album, “Heart of It All,” was released in 2017.

Cincy synth-pop group Moonbeau formed in 2015 by Christian Gough, of indie-rock band The Yugos. Known for its synth and rhythmic guitar, as well as catchy melodies that get audiences on their feet, Moonbeau’s sound is heavily influenced its members’ love of new wave.

With the addition of Claire Muenchen on keys/vox and Alex Murphy-White on drums, Moonbeau quickly gained a following and signed with Old Flame Records.

Their self-titled debut album was released in 2018. Popular tracks include “Love/Fighter” and “Complicated.”

Bringing a unique blend of jazz, pop and rock to the K&D Stage Under the Bridge at 6:20 PM, The Vindys know how to bring a crowd together. Named after their hometown newspaper, The Vindicator, The Vindys formed in 2013 with lead vocalist and guitarist Jackie Popovec, John Anthony on guitar and harmony vocals, Ed Davis on drums and harmony vocals, Scott Boyer on bass, and Rick Deak on guitar and harmony vocals.

The Vindys have shared the stage with Cleveland-natives and Brite Alum, Welshly Arms as well as Hunter Hayes, and Judah & the Lion.

Four-man band Ottawa merges elements of indie and alternative rock and new wave to form their sound. Most of the band’s members used to play in a different local band called Royaltons. They split up but later got back together to form Ottawa. Known for high-energy performances and catchy lyrics, these locals now have fans far beyond Cleveland.

Their debut album, “Random Lights,” was released in 2014.

In 2018, they released several new singles, including popular track “Friends.”

2019 marks Mourning [A] BLKstar’s third year in a row at Brite Winter.

The eight-to-ten-piece jazz/funk band refers to itself as “a multi-generational, gender and genre non-conforming amalgam of Black Culture dedicated to servicing the stories and songs of the apocalyptic diaspora.”

With a sound that’s simultaneously spiritual and futuristic, the band uses music to confront societal issues like racism and police brutality.

Their second album, “Blk Muzak,” was released in 2018 as “a heartfelt response to recent events.”

Immerse yourself in their sound on the CoverMyMeds Stage on Elm Ave. at 7:50 PM.

Hip hop artist Case Bargé is a Cleveland native. And he’s the founder of independent music label, “Alls Lost Outside Our Fantasy.”

Bargé aims to inspire other artists and create awareness of social issues, including violence, drugs, and race. His debut album, “INSANITY,” was released in 2015. He cites the hardships in his past as drivers of his success. He was once homeless, and he suffered from a hernia that required him to re-learn how to walk.

These days, Bargé is known for his live performances, especially his ability to engage with an audience. He’s opened for artists such as Twista, DMC, Casey Veggies, and Dom Kennedy.